Sunderland boss Sam Allardyce has received the backing of both Trevor Brooking and Ron Atkinson to be next England manager.

Allardyce was interviewed for the role last week with Sunderland hoping for a quick resolution to the situation so that they can continue their preparations for the new campaign.

And, despite the fact the FA insist they will not be rushed into appointing Roy Hodgson’s successor after a dreadful Euro 2016 campaign, Allardyce has received the backing of yet more well-known names in the sport.

A list of who’s who have come forward in favour of the Black Cats boss getting his chance with the national side, including Sir Alex Ferguson who worked under David Gill - one of the three men tasked with appointing the next England manager - for many years at Manchester United.

Read More

Speaking to the Sun, ex-England international Brooking said: “These players are very talented technically - we even saw that in France. But they were found wanting in terms of mental toughness.

“In the Iceland game, I saw players moving into positions where they could hide. It’s easy to blame the man in possession - often Wayne Rooney - but there weren’t passing options for him to knock the ball into.

“There’s an overhead camera and I think it would be pretty damning for that game. That was the most disappointing thing for me to see.

“That’s the thing about Sam - he’s always made the best use of the players available.

“He got West Ham back into the top flight and made Sunderland stronger mentally and defensively.

“Combine that with the technical ability of these England players and I think you have a decent mix. The next manager has to be English and Sam is very experienced and organised.”

Former Manchester United boss Atkinson is also backing Allardyce as the obvious choice for the job after insisting that the FA must appoint an Englishman.

Ron Atkinson (Image: Birmingham Mail)

He told the Daily Star: “Sam is the obvious favourite – with Bruce and Hoddle also in the frame. That’s fine with me.

“The starting point for the FA is to find an Englishman. There may not be a huge number of top English candidates around but that’s life.

“If the FA went for a foreigner they would be failing in their duty to our game and to the country.

“Sam may not have experience at a really top club but which English coach does? Bruce has done a very good job with most of his clubs but, again, has never had a really big one.

“You could go for Eddie Howe but I feel it’s too soon for the Bournemouth boss. He needs another 12 months or so there before stepping up to the next level.

“I still like Hoddle. He did a great job with England first time and I don’t believe his time away matters. He could still do the job, maybe on an interim basis with Harry Redknapp.”